Convergent Thinking: Definition & Application

When you need a single solution to a solvable problem, convergent thinking is the route to take.

Convergent thinking refers to the thought process that involves the logical and analytical evaluation of information to arrive at a single, correct solution. This type of thinking is typically associated with left-brain activity and involves narrowing down options to arrive at the most effective or efficient solution. In contrast, divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem, often involving more creative and spontaneous thinking processes.

There are countless applications for convergent thinking in life, school, and work. Here, you’ll learn

What convergent thinking is
How to go about solving problems using convergent thinking
About convergent thinking examples that prove it’s effectiveness for everyday life

What is Convergent Thinking?

Convergent thinking is a cognitive process used to solve problems that have a clear and definitive answer. It involves identifying the correct answer or solution by eliminating incorrect possibilities through a process of logical reasoning.

By focusing on the details of a problem or situation, identifying patterns, and analyzing information, you will arrive at a solution.

Convergent thinking examples

An example of convergent thinking that almost every student is familiar with is standardized testing. It’s a test taken in school where students are required to choose a single correct answer from a set of options. Other convergent thinking examples include:

Solving problems, such as finding a solution for a task that went off track
Following a project roadmap
Evaluating staff performance against a set of defined criteria
Analyzing data to identify trends or patterns
Deciding which route to take when revamping protocols that align with laws and regulations

The RAT test

In psychology, convergent thinking is often used to measure intelligence or problem-solving abilities. One example of this is the Remote Associates Test (RAT), which presents participants with three words and asks them to identify a fourth word that is related to all three.

For example, if the words were "sense," "courtesy," and "place," the correct answer would be "common," reflecting “common sense,” “common courtesy,” and “commonplace.”

This test measures convergent thinking by assessing participants' ability to identify a single correct answer based on the given information. In the workplace, this skill is valuable for problem-solving, decision-making, and idea generation.

Convergent thinking examples for different jobs

It doesn’t matter if you’re a teacher, a customer service representative, a graphic designer, or a financial analyst; chances are that you use convergent thinking on a daily basis – whether you realize it or not.

Let’s go through some convergent thinking examples for different types of jobs.

Software Developer

The problems that software developers face are usually pretty complex and require someone who can analyze different approaches, eliminating viable options to focus on the most effective solution. They have to consider coding approaches, whether the software will be scalable, and how easy the software is to maintain. By using convergent thinking, developers can streamline the code development process to guarantee the final product meets all the necessary requirements and is error-free.

Marketing Manager

If you are a Marketing Manager, you’re probably steeped in data all day, including things like consumer behavior patterns, market research, and competitor strategies. Of course, your goal is to keep your brand on top. This convergent thinking example involves finding the right mix of advertising channels and messaging to attract consumers to your products and services. Without it, your business can flounder.

Project Manager

If there is one convergent thinking example here that truly relies on the ability to come up with the right solution to a problem, it’s a Project Manager. There are so many facets of managing a project – things like analyzing project requirements, identifying potential risks, allocating resources, and directing teams – that you have to be a pro at evaluating options to determine the most feasible solution.

Financial Analyst

When your goal at work is to provide leaders with the best possible information and insights that can positively or negatively impact overall operations, you’re using convergent thinking. It’s a great tool for planning budgets, evaluating returns on investments, and examining financial statements to pull out information that allows for informed decision-making.

Customer Service Representative

When you work in a customer-facing role, you have to use convergent thinking to make sure customers are happy in alignment with the policies of your workplace. In this convergent thinking example, you’re not only analyzing a problem presented to you, but you’re also gathering information and digging into the recesses of your brain to remember what’s allowed vs what’s not allowed per policy. Convergent thinking also helps you apply what you know about your company’s products and services to offer the best solutions to customers based on their needs.

Teacher

When you build your lesson plans, you’re using convergent thinking. The process of analyzing learning objectives, curriculum standards, and diverse learning needs of students requires the ability to identify the best learning material that will meet the outcomes – usually test scores – your district wants. What’s great about this convergent thinking example is that not only are you using it in curriculum design, lesson planning, and classroom management, but you can also teach your students how to analyze a problem to find a solution.

Graphic Designer

A lot of people consider Graphic Design to be a right-brain activity because it’s widely considered a creative field. However, as a Graphic Designer, you have to also be able to use convergent thinking (a left-brain activity) to analyze and refine your design ideas. Clients want things a certain way, and your designs have to meet their expectations. When you consider things like brand consistency, brand guidelines, and existing identities, it’s crucial that you employ convergent thinking to arrive at a single design solution that is both aesthetic and practical.

Convergent thinking can take several paths

While convergent and divergent thinking are both important cognitive processes depending on the goals and objectives of a task, convergent thinking allows leaders and team members to utilize critical thinking skills to reach decisions when a single answer to a problem is needed to fuel success.

Convergent thinking is particularly effective in situations where there is a well-defined problem and there are limited options for solutions. It can be a reliable and efficient way of finding a solution to a problem, as it focuses on selecting the best possible option from a set of alternatives.

There are several key components to convergent thinking, including:

1. Focusing on a single correct answer or solution

In many cases, there are specific goals, constraints, and criteria that need to be met, and identifying the best solution requires a structured and analytical approach. By focusing on a single solution, teams can work more efficiently and avoid wasting time and resources on options that are unlikely to be successful. Having a single solution provides clarity and accountability for decision-making. It ensures everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.

There could also be significant risks associated with certain solutions. By focusing on a single, well-researched option, organizations can better manage and mitigate potential risks. For example, focusing on a single solution can lead to higher customer satisfaction. By identifying the best solution to a customer's problem, companies can demonstrate their expertise and provide a more effective solution to their needs.

2. Analyzing information to identify patterns or trends

When your team is able to find patterns or organizational/industry trends, they are able to make informed decisions, reduce costs, gain a competitive advantage, manage risk, and engage employees based on factual evidence rather than speculation or assumptions.

By identifying patterns and trends, organizations can identify areas of improvement, set goals, and develop effective strategies. You will also be able to identify areas where costs can be reduced or resources can be better allocated. This can lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency. Your company can also stay ahead of the competition by analyzing trends.

3. Eliminating incorrect possibilities through logical reasoning

By using a systematic approach to evaluating different options, it is possible to arrive at a single, correct solution that is based on sound reasoning and analysis. In order to arrive at the correct solution, it is important to first clearly define the problem that needs to be solved.

This involves identifying the key issues, constraints, and objectives. Once the problem has been defined, the next step is to generate a range of possible solutions or alternatives. This can be done through brainstorming or other creative techniques.

After generating a range of alternatives, the next step is to evaluate each option using logical reasoning. This involves considering the pros and cons of each alternative, as well as their feasibility, practicality, and potential impact. Based on the evaluation of each alternative, those that are not viable or feasible are eliminated. This can be done through a process of elimination or by using other logical reasoning techniques.

Once all incorrect possibilities have been eliminated, the remaining options are evaluated again to determine which one is the best solution to the problem at hand.

4. Using past knowledge and experience to inform decision-making

When faced with a problem, draw on past experience to identify similar situations and how they were solved. This can help you to generate ideas and solutions that have been proven to work in the past. Analogies are a powerful way to use past knowledge and experience to facilitate convergent thinking.

By comparing a current problem to a past situation or experience, you can identify similarities and use that knowledge to generate new ideas and solutions. After a project or task is completed, conduct a retrospective analysis to identify what worked well and what didn't. Use this knowledge to inform future decision-making and problem-solving.

Following a structured approach to problem-solving

No matter which pathway suits your needs for convergent thinking, following a defined approach to problem-solving will improve your efficiency and effectiveness. You will end up with decisions based on relevant information by evaluating all possible solutions and selecting the most viable solution. Here are 5 steps you can take to employ convergent thinking at work:

Define the problem: Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. Ask questions such as "what is the issue?" and "what is the root cause?" to ensure you have a clear understanding of the problem.
Gather information: Gather all the relevant information related to the problem. This could include data, reports, feedback, or any other relevant information.
Identify potential solutions: Brainstorm potential solutions to the problem. Consider the pros and cons of each solution and evaluate them against each other.
Evaluate solutions: Evaluate each solution against a set of criteria, such as feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and impact. Determine the most viable solutions.
Implement a solution: Select the most viable solution and develop a plan to implement it. This may involve coordinating with other stakeholders, developing a timeline, and outlining resources required.

A soft skill employers want

By using a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making, individuals and teams can use convergent thinking to arrive at informed decisions based on sound reasoning and analysis. Developing convergent thinking skills can lead to more effective problem-solving and improved outcomes in the workplace.

Convergent thinking is a soft skill that employers desire. If you are well-versed in using convergent thinking, it should be reflected in your resume. The ZipJob team will review your resume for free to make sure that you’re properly presenting your convergent thinking abilities.